Match context and what's at stake
Gent return to the Planet Group Arena in Gent on 27/12/2025 for a Round 20 clash against Westerlo in the Pro League, and the occasion feels like one where both sides can make a meaningful late-December statement. Gent sit 11th with 23 points from 19 matches and have struggled for consistency, losing three of their last five in the league and shipping 29 goals overall. Westerlo, occupying ninth with 24 points, arrive with slightly more momentum — a narrow win over La Louvière and a dramatic 4-0 victory over Anderlecht earlier this month show they can be dangerous on the front foot.
Referee Simon Bourdeaud’hui will take charge under the floodlights at 19:45, and the Planet Group Arena’s near-20,000 capacity promises a lively atmosphere that could push Gent to try and impose themselves despite recent wobbles. The bookmakers give Gent the slim edge in the 1X2 market at 2.30, with Westerlo trading at 2.80 and the draw priced 3.55 — odds that reflect a very finely balanced encounter on paper.
Form, recent meetings and tactical hint
Recent meetings point to tight affairs; the teams drew 0-0 when they last met in the league less than five weeks ago. Gent’s recent run includes a 2-1 defeat to Club Brugge where Maksim Paskotsi earned praise as Gent’s best performer, showing the hosts can still produce moments of individual quality. For Westerlo, Amando Lapage was instrumental in their latest win, and the visitors have shown an ability to score while also keeping six clean sheets this season.
Statistically, Westerlo have the edge in shot volume and marginally more goals scored (28 vs Gent’s 26), while defensively both teams have conceded around the same number. Gent’s home numbers show 15 goals scored at the Planet Group Arena and 10 conceded, suggesting a slightly more conservative home profile compared to their away record.
Betting angle and prediction
This match projects as a tight, competitive encounter where both sides are capable of carving out chances but neither looks likely to run away with the tie. Given the balance in the 1X2 market and the recent 0-0 H2H, the safer value sits with goal markets rather than backing a single winner. For those focused on market selection, this is a perfect moment to consult broader guidance such as Soccer betting tips and the choice of markets and to time your stake carefully with resources like The right time to place bets on goal markets.
Betting suggestion (goal market): Back Both Teams To Score — Yes. The combination of Westerlo’s healthy away BTTS percentage and Gent’s tendency to concede goals this season suggests both sides have a realistic path to the net. Stake cautiously and consider limiting the wager size given Gent’s recent inconsistency.
